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Research
7.
Perceptions of dairy farmers of Gadag district in
northwestern part of Karnataka state, India
regarding clean milk production -
Shivakumar K. Radder, S. K. Bhanj
Vet World. 2011; 4(2): 79-81
doi:
10.5455/vetworld.2011.79-81
Abstract
Clean milk production is one important aspect in
enhancing the quality of milk. It is important to
know farmers' perception about it. With this view,
present study was undertaken with the objective of
understanding perception of dairy farmers about
clean milk production. The study was conducted in
six villages of Gadag district of Karnataka state. A
total of 180 respondents were interviewed.
Perceptions of the farmers regarding family manpower
involved in dairy farming, personnel involved in
milking, dairy income, intention to produce clean
milk, price dependence for following clean milk
production, reasons for following cleanliness
measures in milk production, sale price received for
milk and satisfaction for the price they received
for milk were studied. Most of the dairy farmers
expressed their willingness to follow clean milk
production measures. Further, most of them were
ready to follow such measures even if they were not
paid more price for milk. Farmers practiced clean
milk production measures mainly to follow
regulations at the dairy co-operative society
followed by to avoid spoilage of milk. Dairy farmers
largely neglected impact of cleanliness on animals'
udder and health, about milk contamination causing
health hazards. Milking was mainly a domain of
women. For over 80 % farmers, dairy farming provided
a moderate income as portion of their total family
income. Majority of the producers were not satisfied
with price they were getting for milk. Hence, the
study recommends, requisite facilities and
guidelines from the agencies concerned are needed to
be provided to the dairy farmers to adopt clean milk
production practices. Proper education to the
farmers regarding importance of clean milk
production from health, marketing and animal health
point of views needs to be given. There is need to
give more importance to women in dairy farmers'
trainings. The study also suggests offering
satisfactory price for milk to hasten the process of
adoption of clean milk production practices by the
dairy farmers.
Key words: Dairy Farmers,
Clean Milk Production, Co-operative society, Milk
Contamination.
